What is Political Science?

Political science studies how government shapes society — and how to make it work better. Whether you're passionate about law, global affairs, public policy, or political campaigns, a major in political science gives you the analytical tools and real-world insight to drive change. With this course of study, you'll be prepared to make an impact on the world stage through a political science job. This degree provides a strong foundation for careers in law, public service, and beyond — ready to serve, advocate, and lead locally, nationally, and globally. LSU offers concentrations in American Government & Politics, Comparative Government & Politics, International Politics & Law, Political Theory, Law & Legal Systems, Public Policy & Political Analysis, and Race, Ethnicity, & Gender.

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Degree Details
Admissions Info
Program Highlights
Undergraduate Research Join the Arts & Sciences Program in Research (ASPIRE) to conduct research early in your college career — guided by expert faculty on campus, you'll apply your studies to real cases of your choosing.
Accelerated Pre-Law Option Earn your political science degree and law degree in just six years through LSU’s unique Pre-Law fast track — HSS 3+3 — saving time and tuition and getting your career started sooner.
Fast-Track Credentials Pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and secondary teaching certification to teach grades 6–12 in half the time — one year, instead of two — through the Secondary Education Holmes Program.
Residential College Live and learn with your peers in North Hall — your residence with dedicated support from faculty and staff, shared classes, and special activities to jumpstart your journey and promote academic success, creating a smaller network within the larger LSU campus.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Agency Administrator
Lawyer
Legislative Assistant
Lobbyist
Media Consultant
Public Policy Analyst

Workplace Settings

Government
Schools
Research Organizations
Businesses
Investment Firms
Media Organizations
Nonprofit Organizations
Lobbying Firms
Research Institutions
Health Services

$58,000
Average alumni Political Science salary 5 years after graduation

What Political Science Looks like

Marlee Pittman - Passion for Service

John Michael Sweat

LSU First-Gen Student John Michael Sweat Overcomes Barriers and Redefines College Success at LSU

Diana Diaz

A Vision for Change: Diana Diaz's Journey as a First-Gen LSU Student

Building Skills
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving Learn to analyze issues from all angles and tackle complex challenges with confidence.
Confident Communication Build strong writing and speaking skills to clearly express your ideas.
Analytical Reasoning Use frameworks to interpret data and concepts to make informed, real-world decisions.
Collaboration Partner with others to tackle real-world issues from multiple perspectives.
Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
MA - Political SciencePhD - Political Science

Related Majors

Criminology
Economics
History
Psychology
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